BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster Install

regal · 07-01-2005, 07:18 PM

Well I’ve been browsing this forum for a few weeks and joined today.

I was amazed at some of the recent installs and decided I must have a go

.

Hardware
Morex cubid 3688 mini-itx case
Epia CL10000 mini-itx motherboard
M1-ATX 90w Intelligent PSU 6-24v Input.
2.5” 20GB Laptop Hard Drive
CD-DVD Laptop Combo Drive
512 DDR 400 Memory
Xenarc 7” LCD Touch Screen Monitor
FM Modulator (Maplin)
USB TV Card

My Car computer is now up and running although I’m temporally using a Dash mounted Xenarc 7” touch screen until I can get hold of a motorised one with FM radio TV and its own 50w amp to replace the BMW Head Unit if they ever become available.

The 3688 case fits in place of the Cd changer in the boot with all the wiring tucked under the centre console and a fuse box mounted in the boot

I wanted to fit a USB Hub into the car so I could use a keyboard and mouse and also needed a place to put the FM Modulator switch so I fabricated a plastic plate to house these and made it fit the little storage compartment in the rear of the centre console along with 2 audio jacks in just in case I need them.
I managed to fit the modulator under the centre console by removing the gear knob and gator. there’s enough room there just.

The GPS mouse is magnetised so I just stick it outside near the boot lid and when I park up just pop it in the boot.

Finally I bought a 5v TV booster from maplin and modified it so the antenna part mounts were the towing ring goes in the rear bumper and the booster just sits in the boot.

Software
XP-Pro
Media engine
Power DVD
InfoMap Navigator
Win TV.
I still need some speed camera software that will run on a PC and not a Hand Held.

Problems
Everything works fine even at speed, only snag is the screens mounted in a bad place so it catches the sun and makes it difficult to see sometimes, a new Lilliput motorised screen in place of the stock radio should overcome this I hope if they ever become available.
How did I do?

regal · 07-01-2005, 07:27 PM

Just a few more pic's

Cris · 07-01-2005, 08:34 PM

That's a sweet looking install man!

Interesting place for an aerial too...

Quattro · 07-01-2005, 09:50 PM

nice install. That is a interesting place for th aerial, but isn't that where the tow hitch is? what would you do if you needed the car towed?

djmickyg · 07-01-2005, 10:26 PM

nice..

u did all the in a week?? mines taken me over year and its still now complete.. i better get a move on

regal · 07-02-2005, 06:07 AM

Thanks guys

If I ever need a tow I would rather it be a forward one but if I need to use the rear one the antenna just pulls of and the ring fits with the wire in place.

The reason I put the antenna there is if I sell the car I can just buy a new blank then its back to stock, all the install was done with this in mind.

I thought it had taken forever to complete the install but hey that’s me.

contaygious · 07-02-2005, 07:26 PM

nyce job can we get more pics of the car? and further away from the screen? sick car btw!

jcdillin · 07-02-2005, 07:33 PM

very nice! I like!

regal · 07-02-2005, 08:24 PM

These are all I have at the mo so I will try and take some tomorrow but I'm no David bailey mind:

contaygious · 07-02-2005, 09:02 PM

luv the calipers!!!!!!!!!!! I just ordered paint to do mine so i can be like you

course you probably actually have brembos or something hu?

Stealth97 · 07-03-2005, 01:26 AM

Looks like you have the same problem in your install as I have in mine: Space.

The monitor mount and the FM modulator arent the graeatest, but It looks like you have a brilliant (as they say in the UK

)start

Nice antenna placement, too.

regal · 07-03-2005, 06:54 AM

Contaygious

Nice car man, nice install in fact nice everything love that vented spair wheel cover in the trunk

The callipers and discs are all new but stock items; the AC wheels show so much of the brakes they looked naff in rust, only used red hammerite though.

Stealth97

I suppose space is always going to be a problem with a two seater but I’m quite happy with the way it turned out, just need the new Lilliput all in one screen when it comes out.
I think the antenna looks quite neat on the bumper, didn’t fancy drilling the bodywork and one stuck to the screen would look hideous I think.

Thanks guys